What We Treat

Bodyworx Osteopathy treatments

Newborns

It’s easy to think that infants should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies because they are so young – but the reality is sometimes different

Birth is one of the most stressful events any of us go through. Babies are subjected to enormous forces by the contractions of the uterus as they turn and twist descending through the bony pelvis, and it’s common for them to suffer a great deal of compression to the skull while being born.

The effects of a long or difficult delivery, possibly involving a ventouse or forceps extraction, a caesarian section may firmly imprint an effect upon the baby. This can lead to structural or functional imbalances and a wide variety of symptoms. This can also be true of very rapid labours.

At times even the most ideal delivery can have an adverse effect on a baby if it is unable to release the physical stress and strains experienced at birth. In some cases the normal activities and movements of life are unable to resolve these strains, and a baby may present with:

Irritability

Problems suckling and feeding

Poor sleep patterns

Abnormal posturing

Delayed postural patterning

Other vague clinical symptoms

Our technique

We recommend an osteopathic treatment and check up for baby sometime early on, even if the birth went well and baby seems settled. Small strains at birth may become more noticeable as they grow, and treatment when they are very little can often prevent some strains developing into problems.

Some children have a very rapid and complete resolution of their primary problem, while others require several treatments. If this is likely to be the case the osteopath will discuss with you what course of action is in the baby’s best interest.

Osteopathic treatment of babies is soft, gentle and non-invasive – almost all babies enjoy it and often visibly relax while they’re being treated.